Youthful Series continues at Woodbine

Sophomore pacing colts and geldings were showcased Monday evening at Woodbine in the second round of the Youthful Series.

Andreios Kardia, driven by Steve Byron, captured the first of two divisions in 1:55.4 over a "good" track.

Byron was in no hurry at the start as Regal Son (Randy Waples) made his way to the front to lead the field of six past the first quarter in :27.2. As the talented pacers headed towards the half, Paul MacDonell elected to send second-choice Dragon Seelster to the front before the half in :58. Kuchar (Jody Jamieson) began the first-over attack around the final turn, giving live cover to 4-5 favorite Andreios Kardia.

Kuchar and Dragon Seelster matched strides past three-quarters in 1:27.3, but down the lane Byron showed Andreios Kardia open racetrack and the son of Badlands Hanover exploded in deep stretch to capture his third career victory.

Trained by James Madill for owner Ina Madill, Andreios Kardia increased his bankroll to $28,480.

With the track down-graded to "sloppy," Highland Tartan and James MacDonald captured the second division as the favorite in 1:56.2.

MacDonald elected to sit in the two hole in the early going as Reasonable Force (Jody Jamieson) made their way to the front past the opening quarter in :27.1. Highland Tartan was then angled to the outside and crossed over to command to lead past the middle half in :59.1 and 1:29.1. As the field turned for home, Reasonable Force angled out of the pocket, but could only reach the leaders saddle pad as Highland Tartan prevailed in deep stretch to score the narrow win. Little Ben (Luc Ouellette) enjoyed a ground saving trip to finish third.

Trained and co-owned by Marty Fine along with Mary Clark, Highland Tartan enjoyed his second career victory as his lifetime earnings now sits at $15,200.